Muppidi Avinash Reddy, a key figure in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam case, turned himself in to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Vijayawada following the Supreme Court’s rejection of his anticipatory bail plea. Avinash Reddy, accused number seven in the Rs 3,500 crore scandal during the YSRCP regime, was directed by the court to cooperate with the probe.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, denied Avinash Reddy protection from arrest but allowed him to seek regular bail. Avinash Reddy, suspected of fleeing the country, allegedly funneled illicit funds abroad with the help of another prime accused, Raj Kesi Reddy. In compliance with the court’s order, Avinash Reddy surrendered at the SIT office.
The case revolves around a multi-crore scandal involving manipulation of excise policy and kickbacks from distilleries. Initiated under the TDP-led NDA government in 2024, the investigation uncovered extensive irregularities and misappropriation of funds in the liquor policy spanning 2019-2024. The SIT’s probe revealed a kickback network diverting nearly Rs 3,500 crore over five years.
